STUDIO
SPECIAL There are a few steps in between getting that sound you’ve conjured up in your head out into the ears of the world, and the most important steps are made in a little old place we call the studio. These days, a studio can be defined as a lot of things – from basic bedroom setups to worldclass professional spaces. Either way, you’re going to need quality gear to get your sounds in a tangible format. Our massive Studio Special covers the whole spectrum, whether you need a barebones system to capture demos and ideas, or something to appease your major audiophile tendencies. Whatever your budget or recording needs, there’s sure to be more than enough options in microphones, interfaces, outboard gear, monitors, headphones, hardware and anything else you need to get the best possible sound on record. Our expert team of writers have put a huge range of products to the test, ensuring you have an informed account of what gear best suits your recording needs. If you need inspiration or that little something to help you get closer to capturing that sound, look no further. It doesn’t matter if you do it loud or do it soft, just hit record and do it. Good luck!
SEPTEMBER GIVEAWAY
For your chance to win the Blue Microphones Multi-Pattern Reactor Condenser Microphone as reviewed visit pg. 6 for entry details
RADIAL ENGINEERING MC3
RRP: $399
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITOR CONTROLLER DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
RRP: $1349
PRODUCT TYPE: CHANNEL STRIP DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDED FOR: This is just the tool for anyone who understands high quality recording and wants a dedicated front end channel strip that doesn’t compromise on quality, tone or flexibility. Really, everyone should be using one of these.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The project studio in need of some assistance in sorting out monitoring options. If you want to run more than one set of headphones or a couple of pairs of monitor speakers, the MC3 allows you to do this.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The classic SSL console tone is faithfully reproduced in the XLogic Alpha channel for amazing clarity and control over your signal on the way into your DAW. There are plenty of options with the comprehensive EQ and filter section able to be fully removed from the signal path if desired.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The components are of the highest quality giving you an unsurpassed audio path. It is not going to compromise you audio signal, but simply improve the flexibility in which you are able to listen to it. USABILITY: The MC3 is easy to set up and gives you instant access to headphone monitoring and the ability to split your signal between multiple sets of monitor speakers. Some handy features like a dim switch and mono button round off the features nicely. CONSTRUCTION: Being made by Radial, this little unit is an absolute tank. You just can’t fault the build quality of any Radial product. All the controls are recessed for protection within the casing, which is made from tough folded steel.
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SOLID STATE LOGIC ALPHA CHANNEL
USABILITY: So simple, yet so concise. If you have ever used any decent analogue console, this will make complete sense to you in an instant, but getting to know how all the options work allows you to pull an even better sound. OVERALL: This is a great option for increasing your monitor control within the studio without taking up too much space. High quality audio routing doesn’t have to cost the earth and shouldn’t affect your signal. The MC3 gives you all this.
SEPT 2012
CONSTRUCTION: It’s an SSL. It is made in the UK. It doesn’t spare any expense in construction and quality. You know you are buying some of the best gear in the world when you get the SSL logo into your studio.
OVERALL: Most of us don’t have the space or money to be able to put a K Series console into our studios, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the SSL sound. A neat, single rack unit device, the Alpha Channel goes right to the top of my want list.
PEAVEY XPORT USB GUITAR INTERFACE
RRP: $89
ALESIS iO2 EXPRESS
RRP: $269
PRODUCT TYPE: GUITAR INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP
PRODUCT TYPE: AUDIO INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: This little box is ideal for guitarists who want a simple and compact way to record their instrument straight into a software package. Complete with amp modelling software you really just need to plug in and play – a lot.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The musician who want a low priced, easy to use interface for recording into a computer system without the hassle of a large setup or the need for any space. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With recording capabilities of up to 24 bit at 48kHz, the iO2 Express ensures you get a good quality recording. You can switch between microphone, line or instrument levels for both of the two inputs making it ideal for a range of uses.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The included ReValver software from Peavey allows you to emulate the tones of some classic amplifiers without the need to make all the noise. Your guitar simply goes straight in and the software does the tonal adjustments you need.
USABILITY: This is a very easy interface to set up and get going with right from the word go. It comes bundled with Cubase LE software to get you started, but will work well with just about any recording package once you adjust the input settings within your software.
USABILITY: Anyone could get this interface up and running; even my grandfather, and he thinks Google is an operating system. Installation is quick and easy and headphone monitoring allows you to hear all your tone straight from the software. CONSTRUCTION: This is a budget product, allowing you an entry into guitar recording. So, costs have been cut in the production, but still, it is a fairly rugged little unit.
OVERALL: Peavey have given us a really simple interface specifically designed for guitarists to get their sounds into a software recorder. Well, it does just that and does it quite well too, without hitting the hip pocket too hard.
RME BABYFACE USB AUDIO INTERFACE
RRP: $999
CONSTRUCTION: Built into a compact housing that is solid and sturdy, the inputs connect firmly and the pots all seem to have a smooth action, The switches are not the easiest to operate with their size, but what can you expect for such a brilliant price.
MXL MPAC-01 COMPRESSOR & MIC PREAMP
PRODUCT TYPE: AUDIO INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: INNOVATIVE MUSIC
PRODUCT TYPE: COMPRESSOR & MIC PREAMP DISTRIBUTOR: INNOVATIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: Home studios users that simply won’t stand for second rate digital conversion. If you really want the best clocking in your audio conversion with high end microphone preamps, all in a small interface, then the Babyface is the only option.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Home studio users who what a quality front end channel strip with plenty of options and not an insane price tag. Perfect for simplifying your signal path and getting one dedicated device between your microphone and audio interface.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: When you talk about RME you simply must talk about the digital clock. There is nothing else like it on the market, especially for the size or prize. This little baby gives you rock solid digital conversion and perfect clocking, even when slaving external devices.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With all the options available on the MPAC-01, you can tailor your sound to just about any tone you desire. What you get is a rich, yet true representation of your microphone’s sound, one that can be sculpted to sit into any mix.
LINE 6 MOBILE IN
OVERALL: There really is no substitute for quality. You don’t have to buy a big interface to get high end A/D conversion; you simply need to get yourself an RME Babyface.
RRP: $99.99
CONSTRUCTION: Like all MXL units, this is built to last. Internally wired with the highest quality cabling and with sturdy switches and pots, you are going to get years and years of amazing results from this channel strip.
PRODUCT TYPE: USB RECORDING SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a simple interface for all guitarists wanting to plug into iOS devices and comes bundled with a high-quality 6-foot guitar cable with 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch ends.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Home studio recordings and artists who want to record on their laptop out and about. The small size of the 22VSL makes it ideal for travelling with, but also takes up very little space in a home studio.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: You simply download the free Mobile POD app from the iTunes app store and you’re off and rocking. With 64 amps, cabinets and effects including 32 amp models based on classics by Fender, Marshall, Budda, Vox, Mesa/Boogie, Dumble, Soldano, Roland and of course Line 6’s ‘Insane’ model, and 16 stomp and rack effects including compressor, tremolo, choruses, flangers, reverbs, delay, wah and more... makes this one versatile little unit.
OVERALL: Aside from the knobs being a little hard to grip with the slick brushed aluminium finish, there is very little to fault with this device. It has all the options you could want, it sounds great and it is built well. And it is only going to take up one precious rack space in your studio.
PRESONUS AUDIOBOX STUDIO
PRODUCT TYPE: GUITAR INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: MUSIC LINK
RRP: $299
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The Audiobox 22VSL offers two of Presonus’s XMAX preamps, so the audio quality is great. Most microphones find an instant improvement when plugged into either of the two inputs. USABILITY: With two analogue inputs allowing microphone, line or instrument levels, you can tackle most projects. With low latency and the added benefit of the VSL effects to run your signals through, you get plenty of versatility in you r recordings. This is not just a plain, boring, lifeless input device.
USEABILITY: May initially seem only for the tech savvy but in actual fact it’s a very simple, easy to use unit that could even be played around with plugging in other instruments, for something a little different of-course. For monitoring, you simple use your iOS device’s inbuilt speaker or its headphone jack. CONSTRUCTION: Mobile In is powered by the iOS device itself, so you don’t need to worry about batteries. And in addition to the guitar input there’s also a stereo Line In input on a 1/8-inch jack. For such a small unit, it’s very robust and is built tough.
RRP: $799
USABILITY: The layout of the front panel of this one unit rack strip is well thought out, allowing you to work from left to right to quickly get the unit set up for your needs. The handy VU meter in the centre of the unit shows either gain reduction or output level, making it easy to see just how hard the compressor is squeezing your sound.
USABILITY: This little unit has so much packed in. Two microphone preamps, but can be expanded to ten with the ADAT input, as well as MIDI I/O, headphone and guitar connections. With built in DSP and mixer for interfacing with your DAW, the Babyface does just about everything. CONSTRUCTION: Being such a small unit, there is very little to go wrong with it. It is housed in a tough little casing that can go anywhere with you and the breakout cable for most connections is a quality Alva cable that will stand the test of time.
OVERALL: There is a lot crammed into this little package. Inserts on both channels, headphone output and monitoring options as well as LED metering. If you want a lot of features in a little unit, the iO2 Express is going to be right up your alley.
OVERALL: The Mobile POD app is very much like using POD Farm on a computer, so very cool indeed with all the different variations and if you look “outside the box” creatively speaking, you may soon find this becomes a fantastic tool for sementing all those new licks.
CONSTRUCTION: Like all devices from Presonus, the Audiobox VSL is built into a seriously sturdy casing that is ready for anything you throw at it. Because of this, and its compact size, it is ideal as a portable device for use with laptops anywhere and everywhere.
OVERALL: This is a quality recording setup in a tiny package. The preamps sound great, you get plenty of input/output options for such a small interface and the bundled Studio One Artist software, M7 high-definition condenser microphone, and HD7 headphones means you are ready to record with just the one purchase.
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STEINBERG CI2+ USB AUDIO INTERFACE
RRP: CALL FOR PRICING
STEINBERG UR28M INTERFACE
PRODUCT TYPE: USB AUDIO INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC
PRODUCT TYPE: USB AUDIO INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: Great for simple recording applications where only a couple of inputs are needed, but more control is wanted over your recording software, whether that be the included Cubase AI6 or another package.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The home studio user that requires more than just a simple 2 in and 2 out interface. It offers four analogue inputs, six analogue outputs and SP/DIF digital in and out to allow for greater compatibility with other devices.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The CI2+ features two microphone preamps that do most microphones justice. You get quality audio conversion for the price and flexible control over your signal path, including mono listening options and a Hi-Z input switch for direct guitar recording.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Steinberg has delivered an interface to work with their software platforms and allow quality digital conversion on both the way in and out. It allows for plenty of signal routing for project studios without being too big a device. USABILITY: The clever layout of the top panel gives you a large master volume control and access to key features like a mono switch and a dim switch for low level monitoring. DSP control monitoring is available so you can route your signals within the machine to suit your needs.
USABILITY: The great thing about the CI2+ is the jog wheel and surrounding buttons. The jog wheel controls any feature in the software that the mouse is hovering over at the time and you get the added ease of use with Record, Play/Stop, Next, Previous and Lock buttons surrounding the wheel. CONSTRUCTION: The lightweight plastic casing keeps the unit very portable, but it is still housed within a solid frame. The jog wheel as well as all pots and buttons feel good in the hand and offer a smooth action and rapid response.
OVERALL: The most feature packed of the three units in the CI range, the CI2+ is a handy little package that offers the user a lot more than just audio interfacing. It doubles as a software controller and allows you to speed up your workflow and use less of the mouse.
BLUE MICROPHONES REACTOR
RRP: $649
PRODUCT TYPE: MULTI PATTERN CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
CONSTRUCTION: Built into a solid casing, the UR28M is not only built to last, but to be functional as well. Its intuitive layout makes navigation of the interface easy and doesn’t distract from the recording process.
OVERALL: Packaged with Cubase AI6, the UR28M represents amazing value and quality in a compact recording interface. With the included REV-X reverb native plug-in, you also get access to classic reverb power for you mix.
AKG PERCEPTION 420 CONDENSER MICROPHONE
RRP: $399
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone wanting the best of both worlds for live and studio applications on a range of instruments. Great for percussion/drums, piano, brass, woodwind, voice, ensemble recording and even room mic’ing.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the microphone you use when you want to make a statement in the studio; for two reasons. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Firstly, it looks like part of a cold war submarine that went missing. Secondly, it sounds like it has been fine tuned so well, it offers an almost surreal audio capture. The signal is so flat and natural it gives you just what you put into it.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With a combination of selectable patterns, bass cut filter and 20dB pad you get extra options for mic placement and use. Sound wise they are quite transparent, even and clear with a hint of warmth.
USABILITY: The casing is somewhat unique, and the shock mount is a beast, you will love what you can do with it. The rotating head containing the capsule allows you to position it as you need to suit your choice of polar pattern, making it a truly diverse microphone indeed. CONSTRUCTION: Let’s face it, Blue have developed a reputation for producing some of the most visually striking and well built microphones on the market. The Reactor is possibly a stand out. This microphone looks like something from another planet and is built like a tank, simply awesome!
USABILITY: No problems here. As a mic it’s a matter of placement preference and user know how for getting good sounds and the extra bells and whistles are easy to get your head around.
OVERALL: This is not only an aesthetically pleasing microphone, but one that sounds brilliant too. Blue are not just about shocking the audience with their looks, they strive to create microphones that sound great and the Reactor does both.
SAMSON CL7 CONDENSER MICROPHONE
RRP: $237
CONSTRUCTION: AKG always offer quality gear and it’s interesting to see they’ve still aimed for tasteful yet trendy design and construction even if this mic is a competitor to other brands more ‘budget’ lines. Looks funky but still seems solid and well made, just as AKG is known for.
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: INNOVATIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: This microphone is perfect for the musician who is looking for their first condenser microphone to experiment with. It will really open up the tones you are able to capture in your home studio.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the microphone you go to when you really want to capture something special. It isn’t just any condenser microphone, but one that is to be kept for breathtaking vocal recordings and soulful instrument takes.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The CL7 is fairly simple in design, but it still features a high pass filter and a 10dB pad allowing you to adjust the microphone to suit your environment. For the price, it really does sound great and doesn’t come with a lot of the noise you would expect from a microphone of this price.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The tone of the Revelation is really something special. It has a wonderful warmth to it and an almost delicate response that brings out every element of the performance. This is what a great valve microphone should sound like.
USABILITY: This really is an all rounder. You can capture vocals with it. Record an acoustic guitar and even use it for wind instruments. Position a pair into a piano and achieve some really surprising results here also. It isn’t entirely suited to drums as it can’t really handle extreme SPLs, but you can’t have everything for this price.
USABILITY: With the variable polar pattern control on the preamp, you can get it to sit just right for any voice in just about any room. From Omni to cardioid to figure-of-eight and anywhere in between, you can tweak the controls to get a flawless response every time.
CONSTRUCTION: The CL7 comes with a plastic shell carry case, so it won’t get damaged when not in use. This is a good thing. It may be a little more delicate than I would prefer, but a condenser microphone should be treated gently anyway.
OVERALL: This is a great step up from using dynamic microphones in the home studio and gives you a real idea of what can be achieved with a small upgrade. This is not going to find its way into professional studios too soon, but it will help home recordings achieve a better result in an instant.
SEPT 2012
OVERALL: A cool foray into the lower end mic market the Perception 420 seems best as a general purpose type condenser with multiple cardioid patterns. Obviously aimed at the home studio user it’s still a solid mic for any application and the included heavy duty cradle and hard case give it some extra pro street cred.
MXL REVELATION TUBE MICROPHONE
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
PG. 38 MIXDOWN NO. 221
RRP: CALL FOR PRICING
CONSTRUCTION: Like all MXL microphones, the Revelation is built to an exacting standard. It is internally wired with Mogami cable, so you can rest assured that the highest quality audio signal path is available between the capsule and the preamp.
RRP: $2199
OVERALL: This is somewhat of a showpiece microphone, handling very high SPLs and offers a variety of polar patterns. The real deal.
MXL TEMPO USB MICROPHONE
RRP: $130
SOUNDART SM USB CONDENSER MICROPHONE
PRODUCT TYPE: USB MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: INNOVATIVE MUSIC
PRODUCT TYPE: USB MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: Best suited to home recording, mobile users, broadcast and live chat, office and business recordings. Perfect for demo recording with ease of use.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Home studio, broadcast and radio work, mobile recording. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: USB connectivity makes it versatile and portable for live sound, recording on the go and general use such as; recording transcripts into a laptop, capturing effects, quick demos, voice overs and dictation.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Super versatile as the USB connectivity lets you take it and record almost anywhere. Be it vocals on the road, outdoor sounds or board meetings. It’ll also handle radio and broadcast work with the option to monitor via a headphone-out directly from the mic.
USABILITY: Plug and play is all that’s needed to get started. Then it’s just a matter of mic placement depending on the use and you should be up and away! Clean and clear it’ll cover standard voice and sound recording in the studio and as a USB device really opens itself up to mobile uses such as meetings, field recordings or dictation too.
USABILITY: Easy operation, plug in and use. It comes with a tripod stand and mic stand attachment. CONSTRUCTION: There are two different colours to choose from and it’s clean and aesthetically pleasing. The build quality is tough with it’s hardshell casing. A very well built mic that can be applied to numerous mic positions due to its slimline design. OVERALL: MXL have garnered quite a lot of interest over the past few years for inexpensive mics that still perform to high standards. Their TEMPO offering seems to reinforce that reputation with an easy to use USB mic that sounds clean and crisp with enough flexibility to fulfil a range of uses.
SHURE BETA 27 INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE
RRP: $619
CONSTRUCTION: A solid mic, the body and capsule construction seem sound and I didn’t have any problems with the USB connection. Condensers should be handled carefully in general, keeping that in mind I’d envisage the Soundart SM easily clocking up plenty of hours.
PRODUCT TYPE: INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: JANDS
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great microphone for a variety of uses. It really should be a must in all microphone collections; in fact a pair of these would be ideal. Great for drum overheads, instrument applications and some vocal uses.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Perfect for use inside kick drums where low end punch and power needs to be captured. Also works well inside pianos for added depth to a stereo microphone setup.
RRP: $339
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The BETA91 gives your kick drum sound that added low end that many other microphones cannot. Placed inside the drum, its half cardioid polar pattern grabs the meatiest sounds from the instrument and delivers them with powerful force.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The BETA27 features a super cardioid pickup pattern making it ideal for instrument applications. It offers excellent side rejection, allowing you to target a single instrument and not worry about excessive bleed from other sound sources.
USABILITY: This is a really simple microphone to use. You get great results with just about any placement or position, but as always, it benefits from a little bit of experimentation. The same goes when using it with other instruments, like a piano, or beneath congas.
USABILITY: I can think of a number of applications as it is ideal for targeted percussion uses, like getting a sizzling hi-hat sound from within a crowded kit and gives you the added benefit of a multi stage high pass filter for tailoring the sound. OVERALL: I love the ability to roll off the low frequency with varying degree and the 15dB pad allows you to make use of it in high SPL applications, so its uses are not limited at all. Packaged with a heavily padded, zip lock pouch for protection; you will see many years of excellent use with this microphone.
SHURE BETA 98AD/C MINIATURE CARDIOID CONDENSER DRUM MICROPHONE
RRP: $359
CONSTRUCTION: There probably isn’t a more ruggedly built microphone out there. The design of the BETA91 allows it to be abused and never look back. I have seen some of these over the years that look like they have been through a battlefield and they still continue to deliver great results.
OVERALL: The BETA91 is a microphone that continues to get used in recordings and on stages all over the world for the simple reason that it delivers the goods. When your ordinary kick drum microphone doesn’t quite give you what you want on its own, teaming it up with a BEAT91 is going to give you the goods.
SE ELECTRONICS SE2200A IIC
RRP: $329
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: MUSIC LINK
PRODUCT TYPE: DRUM CONDENSER DISTRIBUTOR: JANDS
RECOMMENDED FOR: The home or pro studio looking for a budget condenser microphone that offers great clarity and rugged build instead of unnecessary features. Great for use with vocals and acoustic instruments, it will add to any microphone collection nicely.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The perfect condenser microphone for drum applications where you don’t have much space to work with. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These are a really versatile microphone for drum applications when space is at a premium. They offer an excellent directional pickup, allowing you to narrow down the sound you want and can handle very high SPLs.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: This unit is not quite as versatile as others in the sE range, given that it has a fixed cardioid polarity, but don’t let that turn you off. Instead of offering a variety of patterns, it is designed to give you the best results with just the one.
USABILITY: The tiny microphone mounts on a short goose neck clamp allowing you to attach it to a drum and position it perfectly. The break-out cable runs to an XLR connection to feed a regular microphone cable. CONSTRUCTION: For such a minute device, the BETA98AD/C is perfectly constructed to the highest quality. The tiny capsule is fairly tough and the goose neck is sturdy enough to allow for the most extreme positioning.
OVERALL: Inexpensive and easy to operate, the Soundart SM USB mic could be a good option for those on a budget or not needing the bells and whistles of other more advanced models.
SHURE BETA 91A HALF-CARDIOID CONDENSER
PRODUCT TYPE: INTRUMENT MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: JANDS
CONSTRUCTION: It’s a Shure microphone. It’s a BETA. It is built like a bloody brick. Use this microphone and abuse it if you like. It will continue to give you great results after even some of the most undeserving treatment.
RRP: $149
USABILITY: Great for use with vocal tracking, the sE2200a IIC gives you a detailed response to transient attacks. In this regard, it is also great for use with acoustic instruments where a slightly wider polar pattern is acceptable, allowing for a more natural sound. OVERALL: There simply isn’t another microphone quite like this one. It is purpose built for a specific job and it does the job so very well. If you really want to define you drum sounds, the BETA98AD/C is the perfect tool for the job.
CONSTRUCTION: Like all microphones from sE, this is built to last. The design team have come up with a very robust housing for the capsule and electronics, the switches are all firmly set and the shock mount is extremely stable, keeping the microphone freely suspended, but solidly locked down.
OVERALL: Packaged with a sturdy shock mount, the sE2200a IIC is a great addition to any studio. A clever design that holds simplicity as its key, this cardioid condenser microphone excels in capturing rich vocals with a low noise floor.
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NO. 221 MIXDOWN PG. 39
LEWITT LCT 340 CONDENSER MICROPHONE
RRP: $399
LEWITT LCT640 CONDENSER MICROPHONE
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS
PRODUCT TYPE: CONDENSER MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the microphone you will want to use for all those applications where you can’t quite get it right. It is a small diaphragm, pencil style condenser microphone that offer reference quality detail in its audio capture.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Great for vocal recording in the studio, but also suited to instrument use as well. An excellent addition to any microphone collection when something a little bit different is wanted, both in tone and functionality.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Being able to handle very high SPLs, the LCT 340 is perfect for use when no other microphone will work. It offers a rich and detailed tone with four different pad settings and four different high pass filter settings, making it ideal for a range of uses.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The LCT640 sounds amazing for vocals and for a microphone of its price point. These are a very well designed tool that give you a lot of flexibility in your recording and deliver the goods with a rich timbre and precise response. USABILITY: The light up switching system on the front panel makes it very easy to adjust and set up for you recording session. There are three levels of high pass filters and three levels of attenuation to choose from to name just a few features.
USABILITY: Quite simply, this is the go to microphone when no other will capture your instrument sounds just right. With the wide variety of settings and two interchangeable capsules, there is very little this microphone won’t have a go at. CONSTRUCTION: Like all microphones from Lewitt, the LCT 340 is somewhat of a surprise in its build quality. These have been very well designed and rigorously tested to ensure low operating and handling noise in a casing that is tough and durable.
OVERALL: I am really starting to warm to these Austrian designed microphones. Not just the LCT 340, but their other models too, seem to offer a different take on the traditional options and do so with a willingness to achieve great results.
DYNAUDIO PROFESSIONAL DBM50
RRP: $1695
CONSTRUCTION: This is quite unlike many other Chinese manufactured microphones that all seem to come from the same design. The LCT640 has been engineered from the ground up to deliver a different approach and the construction sees fit to the ideal, built tough.
ALESIS M1 ACTIVE MKII
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITORS DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITORS DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Perfect for quality studio monitoring when space is an issue and you require critical positioning for optimum listening.
RECOMMENDED FOR: These have got to be one of the most widely known studio monitors going around in the last ten or so years. They are a great budget alternative to some of the big names and will suit a home recording studio as a main or secondary set of monitors.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These monitor speakers need to be heard. They give a detailed stereo image with great attention to the sound. There is plenty of low end response, a pronounced mid range and great transient response that is brought out in the high frequencies.
OVERALL: These monitors may look like something out of a Star Wars film, but they sound even better than the soundtrack did. Articulate response, solid build and clever design all make these an excellent option for the studio where space is an issue, but audio quality is a must.
RRP: CALL FOR PRICING
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITORS AND USB INTERFACE DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
EVE SC305 STUDIO MONITORS
OVERALL: I thought I had seen the last of these some years back, but let’s face it, when a product is made this well for the reasonable price tag they now fetch; the M1 Active MkIIs were always going to be a monitor speaker that stuck around.
RRP: $1399
RECOMMENDED FOR: The SC305 studio monitors from Eve represent a new era in studio monitoring and offer a wider range and clarity in a small near field monitor. They are perfect for the home or project studio where space is an issue, but where quality is essential. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With a pair of five inch drivers and a ribbon tweeter, the SC305s are able to deliver incredible low end accuracy for their size, whilst still maintaining a crystal clear top end. The ribbon tweeters deliver such a fast transient attack that every subtle nuance in your mix can be heard without audible distortion or sagging.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The Studio GT recording solution allows you basic digital conversion and playback through the included speakers. They don’t sound like a million bucks, but they don’t cost that either. The C01 has proven itself as a great microphone for the money too.
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CONSTRUCTION: These have got to be well built. I have seen certain pairs go through all number of atrocities over the years and they just keep on delivering. Smoke, fire, beer spillage and even falling from shelves just doesn’t seem to stop these guys from trucking on.
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITORS DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great option for anyone who wants to get into computer recording and doesn’t know where to start. The Studio GT Pro bundle has it all in one neat little package. Any musician can become a home recording engineer with this setup.
CONSTRUCTION: Samson put a lot of time into getting their products right and both the speakers and microphone have been around long enough to prove they can stand the test of time.
RRP: $599 (PAIR)
USABILITY: The M1 Active MkIIs are an easy to monitor to listen to. They are not harsh and are fairly forgiving, but you can achieve good results once you know how they respond.
SAMSON STUDIO GT PRO BUNDLE
USABILITY: Combining a pair of Studio GT monitors that double as a USB audio interface and including a C01 condenser microphone, the bundle has it covered. You can record and play back from your computer all in one.
OVERALL: The LCT640 is a very transparent microphone with extremely low self noise. It delivers not only plenty of options, but clarity and dynamic response within those options. It may seem a little ‘out there’ for some at first glance, but its results speak for themselves.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These monitors have always suffered from what I consider a poorly designed front porting system, but it is in this failing that they excel. Left along, the ports chuff ferociously with excessive low end, but they do allow you to tune the speakers to suit your environment very easily which is great.
USABILITY: With the angles design of the cabinet, these speakers work great for extra close range near field monitoring, angling the audio signal up to your listening position. This allows the DBM50s to be placed on the desktop and not require raised shelves to get them up to the level of your ears. CONSTRUCTION: Dynaudio have thought these speakers through thoroughly in their design. Their outer casing looks elegant, but is functional too. The soft dome tweeter is protected behind a three pointed casing that reduces the harshness of the top end and keeps them safe.
RRP: $899
OVERALL: This is not a total studio in one. It is far from that in fact. But it is an excellent starting point for someone who is keen to get their music recorded and doesn’t want to waste money on items they don’t know how to use. It is simple, easy and all in one, a perfect start.
SEPT 2012
USABILITY: These are very simple and easy to set up. The front panel volume control is an excellent feature, saving you from having to reach around the back of the units to adjust the levels. They work stunningly by themselves or as a pair and don’t really require a sub to define the low end in your mix. CONSTRUCTION: Being German engineered, the SC305s are well and truly over-built. The construction is first class. The cabinet is solid, with dual rear porting to avoid low end chuffing and the ribbon tweeter is well protected.
OVERALL: Ribbon speaker technology is not new, but it is rarely taken advantage of. What Eve has done with this and their entire range is give you the opportunity to listen to the difference in studio monitoring with the combination of ribbons and traditional drivers. The results speak for themselves, stunning!
SAMSON SR850 HEADPHONES
RRP: $87
SHURE SRH940 HEADPHONES
PRODUCT TYPE: HEADPHONES DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
PRODUCT TYPE: HEADPHONES DISTRIBUTOR: JANDS
RECOMMENDED FOR: A wide variety of uses. These headphones will work well in DJ environments, but are probably more suited for uses involving extended listening periods. Great for use with portable music players and even in the home studio when recording and overdubbing.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The SRH940s are designed for critical listening, to be used as a studio reference headphone. Not only can you use them for recording overdubs, but in mixing and mastering applications as well. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Put simply, these headphones sound amazing. Every detail of the track you are listening to is easily audible and any unwanted frequencies jump out, rather than being hidden behind and EQ curve designed to make your music sound pretty. You don’t get sugar coating; you get the truth from these headphones.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The SR850s offer a fairly balanced audio response. They are not too heavily inflated in the lower frequencies, making them ideal for studio use when you really want to hear what you are recording and playback needs to be clear and precise.
USABILITY: Perfect for getting a different perspective on your mix in the studio. They allow you to better gauge how your mix is sitting on your studio monitors and help you pinpoint critical areas of the EQ that need attention.
USABILITY: Like many similar headphones, these shouldn’t be locked into just one category. Their usability far defies them restraints of just one purpose. They are lightweight and very comfortable to wear, so you will find yourself using them in more ways than one. CONSTRUCTION: The lightweight build is as much of an advantage as it is a concern. These are possibly not entirely suitable for use in live environments, but will work well in the studio. Put simply, don’t stand on them and you should be right.
OVERALL: On a whole, the SR850s are comfortable headphones that don’t stress the ears after extended listening periods. The cable is long enough for most uses, but not so long it becomes a nuisance and the threaded tip adaptor allows them to be used with a variety of devices.
PRIMACOUSTIC RECOIL STABILIZER RX9-HF
RRP: $199
CONSTRUCTION: Like all Shure headphones, these are built solid. They are incredibly comfortable and come with two detachable cables (one straight and one curly) with a locking design to ensure they are properly attached to the unit.
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC TREATMENT DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Recording studios, home hi-fi enthusiasts and audiophiles.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Available in Beige, Black and Grey this is perfect for sound proofing your recording studios, home studios, mix and broadcast facilities and home theatre rooms.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: These aren’t something that have a ‘sound’ themselves, rather they should be something that lets you hear your speakers with increased clarity and less resonant frequencies. The recoil stabiliser cuts vibration frequencies between the speaker and stand/shelf/base and reduces physical speaker movement from lower frequencies making for clearer bottom end and less transient and resonant frequencies.
OVERALL: I love these headphones. They don’t overheat your ears. They offer you a delicate response that picks up all the elements of your music and they come packaged in a nifty zipper hard case to protect them when not in use, which will be very infrequent occasions.
PRIMACOUSTIC LONDON 8 ROOMKIT
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC TREATMENT DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
RRP: $399
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Versatile enough that you can place these panels to maximise your layout without being restricted to a certain format. Designed to address problems such as reflection, echo and standing waves the London 8 comes with a combination of 8 small panels and 4 larger panels to help treat your room.
USABILITY: Couldn’t be easier – place under your speakers which should already be set in their optimal and well balanced position. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
USABILITY: There is a very involved science to acoustic treatment and room design but the London 8 makes getting a start pretty simple. Easy to install and with plenty of recommended layout solutions depending on room shape and size you can start treating your setup very quickly.
CONSTRUCTION: High density urethane foam base with a steel plate and non slip neoprene surface make for a rugged yet light unit that can easily be moved and installed. OVERALL: Having a base that both reduces speaker movement and adds clarity to the lower end, a worthwhile investment for those wanting to get the most out of their speakers and audio experience.
PRESONUS FADERPORT
RRP: $335
CONSTRUCTION: Designed with sonic capabilities in mind the London 8 panels are made from glass wool with hardened edges with acoustically transparent fabric coverings.
OVERALL: Anyone from bedroom jammers to fully fledged studios can benefit from acoustic treatment to alleviate problem frequencies, extricate reflections and balance a room. Primacoustic’s London packs make this idea affordable and practical for those wanting to treat a room, be able to do this themselves and get a start without having to break the bank.
RRP: $199
PRODUCT TYPE: HARDWARE DISTRIBUTOR: NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS
DISTRIBUTOR LISTING
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who is using a computer for recording. Put simply, it is a must for all. SOUND AND VERSATILITY: This handy little device will totally change the way you interface with your computer recording software. You will use the mouse considerably less and it will speed up your workflow. The transport controls are well thought out and the real time control of faders and knobs on screen is brilliant. USABILITY: This is one of the best designed controllers on the market. It integrates perfectly with just about any DAW and is easy to set up with auto mapping features ensuring you don’t spend too much time getting the product installed to suit your system. CONSTRUCTION: This unit is built like a tank. I have been using one for about four years now and the motorised fader still responds like it did when I first fired it up. The casing is solid and it doesn’t mind taking a few bumps when used in live setups either.
OVERALL: Basically, if you use your computer to record, you need one of these. It streamlines your workflow, allows for easy fader and pot automation and best of all, it has a motorised fader that is just damn cool to watch as it jumps around when you change channels.
DISTRIBUTOR:
PHONE:
WEBSITE:
AMBER TECHNOLOGY
1800 251 367
www.ambertech.com.au
AUDIO PRODUCTS GROUP
(02) 9669 3477
www.audioproducts.com.au
ELECTRIC FACTORY
(03) 9474 1000
www.elfa.com.au
INNOVATIVE MUSIC
(03) 9540 0658
www.innovativemusic.com.au
JADE AUSTRALIA
1800 144 120
www.jadeaustralia.com.au
JANDS
(02) 9582 0909
www.jands.com.au
MUSIC LINK AUSTRALIA
(03) 9765 6565
www.musiclink.com.au
NATIONAL AUDIO SYSTEMS
1800 441 440
www.nationalaudio.com.au
YAMAHA
(03) 9693 5111
www.au.yamaha.com
SEPT 2012
NO. 221 MIXDOWN
PG. 41